Boxing: Sullivan Mason aiming for crack at Midlands honours

Sullivan Mason this week aims to stay on course for a crack at Midlands honours.

He is matched with Matt Seawright at Aston Villa on Saturday and said winning a belt has given his self-belief a big boost.

Mason was crowned British Masters Bronze light-middleweight champion in March with a points win over unbeaten Chris Rackley that ticked a few boxes.

Mason had things mostly his own way in his previous eight fights – losing just a single round on the scorecards – and the 25-year-old from Hinckley said: "That fight did me a lot of good. I dug deep and went up a level when I had to. I know I can do it now.

"That title is something to build on – and hopefully I can get a crack at the Midlands Area title soon."

Sam Eggington holds the Midlands Area welterweight title and, although Mason has ruled out challenging his stablemate, he said: "Sam will hopefully move on to box for English honours and, as soon as he does, I'm ready to fight for the Midlands against whoever they put in front of me."

In front of him on Saturday night is Seawright, a tough veteran of more than 100 fights from Tamworth.

Mason will be heavily fancied to extend his winning record in what he describes as a "tick-over fight".

He said: "It's hard to stay in the gym when you haven't got a fight coming up but my manager, Jon Pegg, has kept me busy."